Method for restringing a threadline

ABSTRACT

A method of stringing a broken treadline in a high-speed apparatus processing multiple running threadlines that includes the steps of splicing the broken threadline onto a running threadline while maintaining tension in the broken threadline. The broken threadline is then carried by the running threadline through the machine&#39;&#39;s processing system to the windup station where the two are separated and strung up on new bobbins carried by the windup.

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,863,435 Johnson 1 Feb. 4, 1975 METHOD FOR RESTRINGING A 3,167,847 2/1965 Gonsalves 57/34 13 x THREADLINE 3,273,330 9/1966 Gonsalves 57/22 X 3,339,362 9/1967 Dodson, Jr. et al. 57/22 X [75] Inventor: Melvin Harry Jo so wllm g 3,380,135 4/1968 Wood et a1. 57/22 ux Del. 3,619,868 11/1971 Dibble 57/22 UX 3,648,336 3/1972 Bevington, Jr. 28/1 R [73] A5S1gneeand 3,732,678 5/1973 Berry, Jr. 57/22 Company, W11m1ngton, Del.

[22] Fil d; Mar. 20, 1973 Primary ExaminerJ0hn Petrakes 21 A 1. No.: 343,172 1 1 PP 57] ABSTRACT A method of stringing a broken treadline in a high- [52] U.S. Cl 57/159, 28/72 R, 57/22 speed apparatus processing multiple running thread [51] Int. Cl B65h 69/06 m t l d th t f th b k [58] Field of Search 57/22, 34 B, 159, 34.5, fi 65 s Z 3 f 9?" 57/157 28 R 72 R t rea ine onto a runmngt rea me w 1e mamtammg tens1on 1n the broken threadhne. The broken thread- [56] References Cited line is then carried by the running threadline through the machines processing system to the windup station UNITED STATES PATENTS where the two are separated and strung up on new 2,648,890 8/1953 McDonald 57/22 UX bobbins carried by the windup. 2,844,859 7/1958 Griset, Jr. 57/34.5 x 2,985,995 5/1961 Bunting, Jr. et al 57/157 F x 1 Clalms, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDI'FEB M915 4 3,863,435

SHEET 2 OF 2 METHOD FOR RESTRINGING A TI-IREADLINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method of stringing highspeed multiple threadline processing equipment. More particularly, it relates to a method of restringing a threadline by splicing it to one which is running and serves as a carrier through the processing stations to the vicinity of a winding device where the two threadlines can then be separated and wound into packages.

Many advantages are gained by processing multiple threadlines simultaneously through several successive treatment stations. Aside from reduced redundancy in processing equipment, smaller manufacturing area and reduced capital investment, multiple threadline processing enables high productivity with more uniform end-to-end product qualities. From an operability standpoint, however, control and handling of multiple threadlines are exceedingly difficult. This is particularly true of present high-speed spinning equipment which operates at speeds in excess of 3,000 yards/minute and with very close threadline spacing.

Generally, a threadline warp may be processed through a spinning facility or other yarn handling equipment in one of two ways: the parallel ends may be passed across a large number of treatment rolls by moving past each roll with only a partial S-type wrap, or the threadline may be helically wrapped several times around a roll surface for increased residence time. In such an arrangement, the warp initially contacts the moving roll at one end, progressively moves across the surface and exits at the other end. In the former case, restringing a single broken threadline, particularly around several rolls without disturbing the remainder of the warp, is a tedious, difficult task even for skilled operators. In the latter helically wrapped threadline system, restringing of a broken threadline is very difficult, in fact, there is no apparent way to restring a broken threadline without interfering with the moving threadlines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method for restringing an unstrung threadline in a high-speed apparatus processing multiple running threadlines moving under tension from a source to a windup said method comprising: (a) retrieving the unstrung threadline with a yarn handling device; (b) diverting a running threadline through the jet splicer portion of a splicer-cutter apparatus; (c) diverting the unstrung retrieved threadline through the jet splicer and cutter portions of the splicer cutter apparatus while maintaining tension in said unstrung threadline; (d) interlacing the unstrung threadline with the running threadline to form a splice while practically simultaneously cutting the unstrung threadline upon its exit from the jet splicer whereby the unstrung threadline is carried by the running threadline to the windup; and (e) separating the spliced threadlines at the windup for stringing on new bobbins carried by the windup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a schematic representation of a highspeed spinning machine in which the method of this invention can be practiced using a fluid splicing device.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged top and elevation views, respectively, of the splicing device indicated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are elevation and top views, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of a splicing device useful in practicing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS In the method chosen for purposes of illustration, (FIG. 1) a threadline warp l0 comprised of multiple individual threadlines is descending from a spinneret 12. The warp 10 is divided into two sections 10a and 10b which pass on either side of splicer 14 and are then recombined around feed rolls 16, I8. The warp then advances to draw rolls 20, 22, then through guide 24 from which the threadlines of the warp advance to individual windups such as 26, 28, where they are wound into packages. A vacuum stringup gun 30 is shown in position adjacent splicer 14 to pick up or retrieve an unstrung threadline designated 32. The vacuum stringup gun may be of the type disclosed by Miller in US. Pat. No. 2,667,964.

As shown in FIG. 3, splice device 14 includes an open stringup slot interlace jet 40 similar to the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,985,995 to Bunting et al., mounted on a rigid block fastened to the machine frame (not shown). Adjacent to and coacting with jet 40 is a reciprocal cutter 44 which is actually a blade attached to the movable rod end of the actuator 46 attached to block 42. Coacting with cutter 44 is a stationary blade 45 likewise fastened to block 42. Cutter blade 44 incorporates a notch or aperture 47 which serves to constrain the moving threadline during the cutting sequence. Splice device 14 is mounted angularly on the spinning machine (FIG. 1) relative to the threadline path in order to permit one threadline to bypass the cutting notch 47 of cutter 44. The splice device 14 is powered by pressurized air furnished to actuator 46 and jet 40 from a sequence controller 41 which is connected to an energizing valve (not shown) and a source of pressurized air.

In operation, stringup ofa broken end with the splice device 14 is accomplished as follows (FIGS. 1 and 2): a broken threadline 32 is retrieved and manually diverted and threaded through jet 40 and the cutting notch 47 of cutter 44 using the vacuum stringup gun 30 to maintain tension on threadline 32. A normal running threadline 33 is then selected (which is usually the companion of the threadline pair) and diverted through the jet portion of the splicer only. Except for the temporary minor diversion through jet 40, threadline 33 is running at normal process speed throughout the entire process system.

Threadline 33 is normally diverted to waste at the windup end of the threadline processing system before the splicing sequence. This may conveniently be done by using a waste yarn aspirating jet.

When both threadlines are in proper position in the splicing device 14 (FIG. 2), the operator triggers a valve (not shown) which energizes jet 40 and actuator 46. Jet 40 interlaces the broken threadline 32 to threadline 33. Cutter blade 44 is retracted downward severing and releasing the now spliced threadline 32 from the stringup gun 30. Threadline 32 is then carried by threadline 33 through the entire process system. The above sequence takes place in less than a second. The operator then separates the threadlines 32 and 33, transfers them to their previous proper positions in the warp l0, restrings the threadlines about separate empty bobbins such as 26, 28' on the windup unit and the machine is restored to its full operating condition.

In an alternate version of the splice device 14' depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, a commercially available highspeed continuously operating abrasion wheel 50 is employed in place of reciprocal cutter 44. A cap 52 is positioned over the abrasion wheel. There, a slot 54 milled into cap 52 affords access to the wheel 50 for cutting purposes. With the alternate version, the actual splice cut sequence commences when the operator energizes splice device 14 causing the broken threadline 32 to interlace with a running threadline 33. As soon as device 14' is activated, threadline 32 is pulled into guide slot 54 in cap 52 and against abrasion wheel 50. Broken threadline 32 is thus severed from the stringup gun 30 leaving a resultant tail equal in length to the space between the abrasion wheel and the splice device which is less than 2 inches.

A key to the successful operation of this system appears to be that the splice is formed an instant before the yarn running to the suction device is cut. This is obvious when the abrasion wheel cutter is used. The blade cutter and interlace jet splicer are powered by compressed air from the same source. Since the devices are simultaneously activated, the inertia of the cutter will fractionally delay movement of the blade compared to the action of the interlacing jet. The forming of the splice before cutting the threadline serves to keep tension on the yarn and assists in keeping the threadline in its proper position in the spinning warp.

In a particular embodiment, two or more bobbins are wound on the same chuck. When a break occurs, therefore, it is usual to select a threadline running to the same chuck for splicing with the broken threadline. Selection of a companion threadline carries the broken threadline to the appropriate windup station where it may be placed on a bobbin.

In the present case, the improved splice stringup technique eliminates the protracted down time of the broken threadline and reduces manual manipulation of the threadlines to a minimum. Stringup is effected at high process speeds without any risk of disruption of the warp. More importantly, the stringup technique makes possible restringing of helically wrapped, multiple threadline systems. The splice is of sufficient compactness and strength and carries a minimum length threadline tail between A to 2 inches long. This enables passage of the combined threadlines through the various constricted passageways in the process such as through fluid treatment jets, guides, pins and the like. Further, the interlacing type coupling of the filaments in the splice region permits conveyance of the threadline and splice through elevated temperature draw zones without risk of threadline rupture since the individual filaments in the splice are allowed to stretch or elongate to the same extent as in the main body of the threadline.

While a preferred position for splice device 14 has been shown to be immediately upstream of the feed rolls l6, l8 and while only one splice device 14 is shown to simplify the description, it is understood that any number can be used and located at various points in the threadline path.

Although the invention has been specifically illustrated with reference to spinning equipment, it is applicable to other multiple roll yarn processing equipment.

What is claimed is:

l. A method for restringing an unstrung threadline in a high-speed apparatus processing multiple running threadlines moving under tension said method comprismg:

a. retrieving the unstrung threadline while moving it through a yam handling device;

b. diverting a running threadline through a yarn passage of the jet splicer portion of a splicer-cutter apparatus;

c. diverting the retrieved moving unstrung threadline through said yarn passage while maintaining tension in said unstrung threadline;

d. interlacing the moving unstrung threadline with the running threadline by directing air under pres sure into said yarn passage in a plane perpendicular to the running threadlines to form a splice while practically simultaneously cutting the unstrung threadline upon its exit from the jet splicer whereby the unstrung threadline is carried by the running threadline.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a helically wrapped multiple threadline system.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a S-wrapped multiple threadline system.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said unstrung threadline is cut upon its exit from the jet splicer forming a splice tail between A and 2 inches in length.

5. The method of claim 1, said high-speed being in excess of 3,000 yards per minute.

6. The method of claim 1, said unstrung threadline being a broken threadline.

7. A method for restringing an unstrung threadline in a high-speed apparatus processing multiple running threadlines moving in excess of 3,000 yards per minute under tension from a source to a windup, said method comprising:

a. retrieving the unstrung threadline by moving it through a yarn handling device",

b. diverting a running threadline through a yarn passage of the jet splicer portion of a splicer-cutter apparatus;

c. diverting the retrieved moving unstrung threadline through said yarn passage while maintaining tension in said unstrung threadline;

d. interlacing the moving unstrung threadline with the running threadline by directing air under pressure into said yarn passage in a plane perpendicular to the running threadlines to form a splice while practically simultaneously cutting the unstrun g threadline upon its exit from the jet splicer whereby the unstrung threadline is carried by the running threadline to the windup; and

e. separating the spliced threadlines at the windup, for stringing on new bobbins carried by the windup.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a helically wrapped multiple threadline system.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a S-wrapped multiple threadline system.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein said unstrung threadline is out upon its exit from the jet splicer forming a splice tail between A and 2 inches in length.

11. The method of claim 7, said high-speed being in excess of 3,000 yards per minute.

12. The method of claim 7, said unstrung threadline being a broken threadline.

l i l 

1. A method for restringing an unstrung threadline in a highspeed apparatus processing multiple running threadlines moving under tension said method comprising: a. retrieving the unstrung threadline while moving it through a yarn handling device; b. diverting a running threadline through a yarn passage of the jet splicer portion of a splicer-cutter apparatus; c. diverting the retrieved moving unstrung threadline through said yarn passage while maintaining tension in said unstrung threadline; d. interlacing the moving unstrung threadline with the running threadline by directing air under pressUre into said yarn passage in a plane perpendicular to the running threadlines to form a splice while practically simultaneously cutting the unstrung threadline upon its exit from the jet splicer whereby the unstrung threadline is carried by the running threadline.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a helically wrapped multiple threadline system.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a S-wrapped multiple threadline system.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said unstrung threadline is cut upon its exit from the jet splicer forming a splice tail between 1/4 and 2 inches in length.
 5. The method of claim 1, said high-speed being in excess of 3, 000 yards per minute.
 6. The method of claim 1, said unstrung threadline being a broken threadline.
 7. A method for restringing an unstrung threadline in a high-speed apparatus processing multiple running threadlines moving in excess of 3,000 yards per minute under tension from a source to a windup, said method comprising: a. retrieving the unstrung threadline by moving it through a yarn handling device; b. diverting a running threadline through a yarn passage of the jet splicer portion of a splicer-cutter apparatus; c. diverting the retrieved moving unstrung threadline through said yarn passage while maintaining tension in said unstrung threadline; d. interlacing the moving unstrung threadline with the running threadline by directing air under pressure into said yarn passage in a plane perpendicular to the running threadlines to form a splice while practically simultaneously cutting the unstrung threadline upon its exit from the jet splicer whereby the unstrung threadline is carried by the running threadline to the windup; and e. separating the spliced threadlines at the windup, for stringing on new bobbins carried by the windup.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a helically wrapped multiple threadline system.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is processing the threadlines through a S-wrapped multiple threadline system.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein said unstrung threadline is cut upon its exit from the jet splicer forming a splice tail between 1/4 and 2 inches in length.
 11. The method of claim 7, said high-speed being in excess of 3, 000 yards per minute.
 12. The method of claim 7, said unstrung threadline being a broken threadline. 